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 Over the past several years at the Pok-O Open, the ladies title has been a predictable blowout,  with the top seed winning every match since 2003. The gentlemen’s draw has been a much different story, and the 103rd edition of this prestigious tennis tournament served up another upset for 2007.
Third seeded Tim Caradonna, using a borrowed racquet, came from down 5-3 in the first set to take a 7-5, 7-5 straight set victory over top seeded David Horwich. Caradonna, of Wayland, Mass., used steady play throughout the tournament in taking his first open title. Horwich, from New Haven, Connecticut was the 2006 Open runner-up as well as the champion of the Pok-O invitational, held earlier this summer.
 Horwich stormed out to an early lead, clearly displaying stronger, though more erratic ground strokes than his opponent. He held a set point at 5-4 in the opening set, only to drop the next three games. The breakdown clearly agitated the match favorite, who earlier in the week told this reporter “I just don’t have fun when I’m playing matches.” By contrast, Caradonna remained calm, both in play  and demeanor, seemingly content to play on the defensive.
The strategy worked, and when the final ball sailed out, Caradonna lifted his racquet and arms in a weary show of triumph, while Horwich showed his class in offering a handshake to the new champion, before leaning against the net in defeat. The winner earned a liter of Mountain Dew, while the runner up received a 12oz bottle of the beverage.
The 2007 Pok-O Open concludes Friday with the ladies championship match. #1 seed Serena Hallowell of Lake Placid, NY faces 2nd seeded Mackenzie Young of Weston, Connecticut in a best-of-three set match.
SEE TOURNAMENT RESULTS HERE
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The candles were lit; the atmosphere was a touch of festive, tinged with sadness, and the chicken cordon bleu was tasty.
presenting the autographed sheet to Meredith Carroll.
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